Dehradun: Central Minister Bhupendra Yadav Inaugurates Indian Conservation Conference 2025, Emphasizes India's Commitment to Environmental and Wildlife Conservation Under PM Modi

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In a significant event aimed at bolstering wildlife and environmental conservation efforts, Central Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, inaugurated the Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON 2025) in Dehradun. The conference commenced on Wednesday and is set to conclude on June 27, 2025. This pivotal gathering has attracted hundreds of students, researchers, forest officials, and conservation professionals from across the country.

Highlights of the Conference

During the inauguration, Minister Yadav highlighted India’s impressive progress in wildlife conservation. He noted that in 2014, India had 47 tiger reserves, a number that has now increased to 58. Similarly, the country has expanded its Ramsar Sites from 25 in 2014 to 91 today. These figures symbolize India's growing commitment to preserving its biodiversity.

Addressing the attendees, Yadav reiterated the importance of documenting traditional knowledge related to conservation and utilizing it scientifically. "Today, the leadership of India in biodiversity conservation is recognized at both national and global levels. Initiatives like the International Big Cat Alliance and our contributions to COP28 showcase our dedication to environmental responsibility alongside economic progress," he stated.

Engaging Sessions and Expert Insights

The conference kicked off with a welcome address from Dr. Bilal Habib, the organizing secretary of ICCON 2025, who acquainted the participants with the objectives and key themes of the three-day program. Following this, a significant session was led by Professor Dr. Hema Somanathan from IISER Thiruvananthapuram, where she delivered an engaging lecture on "The Sensory and Cognitive Ecology of Bees," shedding light on the fascinating ways bees perceive, learn, and forage.

Minister Yadav emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of wildlife conservation, urging them to think innovatively about coexistence with wildlife. He committed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government is dedicated to implementing multiple measures to facilitate wildlife preservation. This includes ongoing efforts for the conservation of wetlands, dolphins, elephants, tigers, and sloth bears.

Addressing Future Challenges and Priorities

The minister also raised concerns regarding the "tigers outside reserves" issue, highlighting it as a new concern that demands immediate attention. He underscored the government's ongoing efforts to address human-wildlife conflict, which is increasingly impacting conservation efforts.

Concluding his speech, Yadav emphasized the need for documenting traditional knowledge in conservation practices, indicating that scientific utilization of such knowledge is essential in today's context. He reiterated that platforms like ICCON are vital as they bring together the next generation of researchers, forest officials, and conservationists to rethink solutions for contemporary challenges.

In addition to Minister Yadav, Sujeet Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Forests, underscored the ministry's commitment to advancing conservation through evidence, inclusion, and institutional strength.

Virendra Tiwari, Director of the Indian Institute of Wildlife Sciences, remarked that ICCON is not just a conference but a reflection of India's evolving conservation ethos. Dr. Ruchi Badola, the Dean of the Indian Institute of Wildlife Sciences, also played a crucial role in the organization of this noteworthy event.

With the ICCON 2025 conference gathering momentum, it marks a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation in India, reflecting a united effort towards sustainable practices and innovative solutions for biodiversity preservation.

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Written by team kharchaapani.